One of Vladimir Putin’s top propagandists issued a horrifying warning that Russia could strike two NATO countries. During his radio show Full Contact, Vladimir Solovyov threatened to attack Lithuania and Poland in a fiery rant. He suggested that Lithuania was responsible for “an attack against targets” in the St Petersburg region, making it “a participant” in the war with Ukraine.

Solovyov argued that this should allow Russia to “use all of our forces and means” to strike the country – a move he called “absolutely rational and justified”. He said: “A drone fell in Lithuania. Where did it take off from? If drones are flying through Lithuania’s territory, can we shoot them down there?

“If they are taking off from the territory of Lithuania, are we obligated to destroy their launch sites?

“Therefore, have we explained to Lithuania that, based on this, it’s a participant in this conflict? Therefore, we can use all of our forces and means against it… I think this is absolutely rational and justified.

“If this is proven, there should be a strike against Lithuania. I couldn’t care less that it’s a NATO country.”

Solovyov then turned his attention to Poland, threatening to “strike the heck out of them”, potentially in a nuclear attack.

He said: “Poland is trying to assemble something? Let’s see. Have they already learnt how to survive a strike with a tactical nuclear weapon?

“I hope that with them, we won’t opine that all is well. I hope they aren’t our brothers and we can strike the heck out of them. Whether it’s good or bad is another issue. Victors write history books. We need to win.”